The Future is Here: Gartner’s Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2024

Gartner Unveils Top IT Predictions for the Next Decade, Examining the Impact of Generative AI on Executive Leadership Perspectives

Get ready for the ‘custobots’! Gartner’s list of top 10 strategic technology trends for 2024 is all about AI taking over.

Person walking with a thinking bubble above them

Gartner has just released its highly anticipated list of the top 10 strategic technology trends for 2024, and it’s clear that we’re heading into a world dominated by artificial intelligence (AI) in all its forms. From democratized generative AI to AI trust, risk, and security management, the future is looking bright and a little bit scary. Let’s dive into these trends and explore what they mean for businesses and individuals alike.

1. Democratized Generative AI: Opening Doors to Endless Possibilities 🚪

Generative AI, also known as GenAI, is paving the way for a new era of accessibility. Thanks to the combination of massively pre-trained models, cloud computing, and open source technologies, GenAI is becoming democratized. This means that workers worldwide will have access to these powerful AI models, opening doors to endless possibilities. In fact, Gartner predicts that by 2026, over 80% of enterprises will have used GenAI APIs and models or deployed GenAI-enabled applications in production environments. It’s a brave new world for AI, where everyone can harness its power. [^1^]

Q&A: What are the risks associated with democratized GenAI?

Q: What are the risks associated with democratized GenAI? A: While democratized GenAI offers incredible opportunities, it also brings along risks that need to be addressed. One major concern is the ethical use of AI. With widespread adoption, there is a higher chance of AI models being used for malicious purposes or spreading biased information. It’s crucial to develop robust AI trust, risk, and security management (TRiSM) systems to mitigate these risks and ensure responsible AI usage. [^2^]

2. AI Trust, Risk, and Security Management (TRiSM): Keeping AI in Check 🔒

The democratization of AI has highlighted the urgent need for AI trust, risk, and security management (TRiSM). Without proper guardrails, AI models can spin out of control, leading to negative effects that overshadow any positive gains. TRiSM provides tools for model monitoring, proactive data protection, AI-specific security, and risk controls. By 2026, enterprises that apply AI TRiSM controls are predicted to eliminate up to 80% of faulty and illegitimate information, resulting in improved decision-making accuracy. It’s all about keeping AI in check and maximizing the benefits it brings. [^2^]

Q&A: How can businesses ensure ethical AI usage with TRiSM?

Q: How can businesses ensure ethical AI usage with TRiSM? A: Implementing AI TRiSM controls is crucial for maintaining ethical AI usage. Some key measures include model monitoring for data drift, ensuring proper risk controls for input and output, and proactive data protection. Additionally, organizations should prioritize transparency and accountability in their AI practices, addressing issues such as bias, safety, and privacy. By establishing robust TRiSM strategies, businesses can ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically. [^3^]

3. AI-Augmented Development: Supercharging Software Engineers ⚡️

AI-augmented development is revolutionizing the way software engineers work. By utilizing AI technologies like GenAI and machine learning, developers are able to design, code, and test applications more efficiently. These AI-infused development tools reduce the time spent on writing code, allowing engineers to focus on strategic activities such as designing captivating business applications. It’s like having a helpful AI sidekick supercharging the development process. [^4^]

Q&A: How does AI-augmented development improve software engineering?

Q: How does AI-augmented development improve software engineering? A: AI-augmented development tools enhance software engineering productivity by automating repetitive tasks, assisting with code suggestions, and optimizing testing processes. This frees up valuable time for software engineers to focus on more creative and strategic aspects of application development. With the help of AI, software engineers can deliver higher-quality applications faster, catering to the ever-increasing demand for software solutions. [^5^]

4. Intelligent Applications: Experience that Adapts to You 🤖

Intelligent applications are the next frontier in user experience. These applications utilize machine learning, connected data, and other AI-based services to dynamically adapt to the user. Gartner defines intelligence in applications as the capability to learn and respond appropriately and autonomously. From personalized recommendations to adaptive user interfaces, intelligent applications are transforming the way we interact with technology. Get ready for a whole new level of user experience that understands and adapts to your needs. [^6^]

5. Augmented-Connected Workforce: The Power of Human-AI Collaboration 🤝

The augmented-connected workforce (ACWF) is all about optimizing the value derived from human workers. By leveraging intelligent applications and workforce analytics, the ACWF provides context and guidance to support the workforce’s experience, well-being, and skill development. At the same time, the ACWF drives positive business results. In fact, through 2027, 25% of CIOs will use ACWF initiatives to reduce the time to competency by 50% for key roles. It’s a win-win situation where humans and AI collaborate to achieve great outcomes. [^7^]

Q&A: How can businesses strike a balance between AI and human workers with the ACWF?

Q: How can businesses strike a balance between AI and human workers with the ACWF? A: The key to a successful augmented-connected workforce is striking the right balance between AI and human capabilities. Businesses should focus on providing the necessary tools and guidance to support human workers, ensuring that AI technologies augment their strengths and skills rather than replacing them. By prioritizing the well-being and skill development of their workforce, organizations can harness the power of AI while embracing the unique value that humans bring to the table. [^8^]

6. Continuous Threat Exposure Management: Keeping Security Up to Speed 🛡️

Continuous threat exposure management (CTEM) is a systematic approach that helps organizations assess and mitigate the accessibility, exposure, and exploitability of their digital and physical assets. By aligning CTEM with threat vectors and business projects, rather than infrastructure components, organizations gain a comprehensive understanding of vulnerabilities and unpatchable threats. By 2026, organizations prioritizing security investments based on CTEM programs are expected to see a significant reduction in breaches. Keep your guard up and stay one step ahead of threats. [^9^]

7. Machine Customers or ‘Custobots’: The Dawn of Autonomous Consumers 🤖💰

Get ready for the rise of “machine customers” or “custobots.” These nonhuman economic actors have the ability to autonomously negotiate and purchase goods and services, effectively behaving as customers. By 2028, we can expect to see 15 billion connected products with the potential to act as customers, creating trillions of dollars in revenue. This trend will transform the world of commerce and open up new opportunities for facilitators and creators of custobots. Embrace the future of autonomous consumers. [^10^]

Q&A: What are the key considerations for businesses regarding machine customers?

Q: What are the key considerations for businesses regarding machine customers? A: Businesses need to consider how they can either facilitate these algorithms and devices or create new custobots to tap into the potential revenue and opportunities they bring. It’s crucial to understand the implications of machine customers on traditional commerce models and adapt accordingly. Building relationships and partnerships in this new landscape will be essential for organizations to thrive in the era of autonomous consumers. [^11^]

8. Sustainable Technology: Building a Greener Future 🌍

As technology continues to advance, concerns about its environmental impact and energy consumption have grown. Sustainable technology aims to address these concerns by using digital solutions to enable environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes. Technologies like AI, cryptocurrency, the Internet of Things, and cloud computing are driving this movement. By 2027, 25% of CIOs will have their personal compensation linked to the impact of sustainable technology. It’s time to build a greener and more responsible future. [^12^]

Q&A: How can organizations make their IT usage more sustainable?

Q: How can organizations make their IT usage more sustainable? A: Organizations can make their IT usage more sustainable by adopting energy-efficient practices, optimizing cloud computing resources, minimizing electronic waste, and using AI algorithms to optimize energy consumption. Additionally, organizations should prioritize ESG outcomes when implementing new technologies, ensuring that ecological balance and human rights are considered throughout their operations. By taking these steps, businesses can contribute to a more sustainable future. [^13^]

9. Platform Engineering: Empowering Developers for Success ⚙️

Platform engineering focuses on building and operating self-service internal development platforms. These platforms provide dedicated product teams with the tools and processes they need to optimize productivity, accelerate delivery, and enhance the user experience. By maintaining a strong platform engineering discipline, organizations can empower developers and drive business value. It’s all about providing the right tools for success. [^14^]

10. Industry Cloud Platforms: Tailor-Made Solutions for Business Success ☁️

Industry cloud platforms (ICPs) are set to revolutionize business initiatives. By 2027, more than 70% of enterprises are predicted to use ICPs, which combine Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) services into comprehensive offerings. ICPs provide tailored cloud solutions specific to an industry, with pre-packaged business capabilities and composition tools. With ICPs, businesses can accelerate their digital transformation and achieve industry-relevant outcomes. It’s time to embrace the power of industry cloud platforms. [^15^]

Q&A: How can organizations leverage industry cloud platforms?

Q: How can organizations leverage industry cloud platforms? A: Organizations can leverage industry cloud platforms by identifying their specific industry needs and selecting an ICP that aligns with those requirements. ICPs offer a range of services and capabilities tailored to industries, allowing organizations to streamline operations, accelerate innovation, and achieve industry-specific outcomes. By leveraging ICPs, businesses can gain a competitive edge and position themselves for success in their respective industries. [^16^]

In addition to the top 10 technology trends, Gartner also provided its top 10 strategic IT predictions. These predictions dive deeper into the impacts and considerations surrounding GenAI and its transformative effect on organizations. From productivity value recognition to the altering of design and development processes, the future is looking incredibly exciting and AI-driven. [^17^]

Gartner’s predictions are reinforced by research from Salesforce’s annual State of IT report, which highlights the rapid adoption of AI across various industries. Independent reports, such as those from McKinsey and IDC, further validate the accelerated growth of AI. It’s clear that AI is not just a passing trend but a transformative force that businesses need to embrace to stay competitive. [^18^] [^19^]

In conclusion, the future is here, and it’s AI-powered. Gartner’s top 10 strategic technology trends for 2024 paint a vivid picture of the AI-driven world we can expect to inhabit. From democratized GenAI to sustainable technology, these trends offer valuable insights and opportunities for both businesses and individuals. Embrace the AI revolution and get ready for a future where technology and humanity go hand in hand. 🚀

Reference List: 1. Generative AI 2. AI Trust, Risk, and Security Management (TRiSM) 3. Additional information on AI TRiSM controls 4. AI-augmented development aiding software engineers 5. Benefits of AI-augmented development for software engineering 6. Intelligence in applications 7. ACWF driving business results 8. Maintaining a balance between AI and human workers with ACWF 9. Continuous threat exposure management (CTEM) reducing breaches 10. Machine customers (custobots) shaping the future of commerce 11. Considerations for businesses regarding machine customers 12. Sustainable technology for a greener future 13. Making IT usage more sustainable 14. Empowering developers with platform engineering 15. Industry cloud platforms accelerating business initiatives 16. Leveraging industry cloud platforms for success 17. Gartner’s strategic IT predictions 18. Salesforce’s State of IT report 19. McKinsey and IDC reports on AI adoption